Community Development

Updated Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Regulations Adopted

At its meeting on Tuesday, July 10, City Council adopted updated accessory dwelling unit (ADU) regulations for the City. The updated regulations are set to go into effect on August 11, 2018 and will provide a comprehensive set of standards for this type of housing unit. The proposed ADU regulations include standards that have been adopted by the State of California, which is promoting this type of housing as a means to address housing needs across the State. Additional information about the new ADU standards and updated handouts will be available at the Planning counter at City Hall and online in the coming weeks.

Los Altos Community Center Environmental Review Underway

The public review and comment period for the Environmental Initial Study and Mitigated Negative Declaration (IS/MND) for the new Los Altos Community Center continues through next Wednesday, July 18 at 5 p.m. The document is available at the Planning Counter at City Hall and on the Community Center  project webpage. A public hearing before the Planning Commission to review the IS/MND is scheduled for Thursday, August 2, 2018 at 7 p.m. in the Community Meeting Chambers at City Hall (1 N San Antonio Road).

Upcoming Planning Commission Meeting

At its regularly scheduled meeting on Thursday, July 19 at 7 p.m., the Planning Commission will be considering the following projects:

18-UP-03 - 460 S. El Monte Avenue

Use Permit for a new after-school program and a new music program to use existing classrooms at the Los Altos Lutheran Church

18-UP-05 - 1555 Oak Avenue

Use Permit for a new preschool, Children's Corner, to use existing classrooms at the Foothill Covenant Church facility

18-CA-04 - Affordable Housing Code Amendment

Amendment to the City's Affordable Housing Ordinance to increase the affordable housing requirement from 10 percent to 15 percent for all residential development projects that include five or more new units

Police

Pet Wash Fundraiser

Los Altos Police are proud to support the Police and Working K-9 Foundation and their efforts to raise funds to provide police K-9's with life-saving bullet proof vests, trauma kits, heat alarms and care for retired K9s. If your dog needs a bath, we hope you will consider stopping by a local Pet Foo d Expres s this Saturday and Sunday, July 14 & 15. 100% of proceeds from pet washes purchased over the weekend will benefit the Police and Working K-9 Foundation. Our very own Officer Janda and K-9 Bo will be at the Pet Food Express in Campbell (1902 S Bascom Avenue) on both Saturday and Sunday around 2 p.m.

Art & Wine Festival

This weekend marks the 39th Annual Los Altos Arts & Wine Festival. Hosted by the Los Altos Village Association, the event runs Saturday, July 14 and Sunday, July 15 from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Downtown street closures will begin this afternoon at 3 p.m. and last through Sunday at 9 p.m. ‘No Parking’ signs have been posted throughout the Downtown and Police will begin towing vehicles located in Tow-Away Zones so please be mindful of signage. 

All impacted streets will reopen on Sunday, July 15 by 9:00 p.m., except for Third Street between State and Main Street, which will remain closed for the installation of the Downtown Green. Officers will be assisting with security and bicycle patrol over the weekend. Be sure to stop by and say hello at the Los Altos Police booth, located adjacent to the Wells Fargo Bank on Main Street. 

Public Works

Summer Tips for Water Efficient Landscaping

Your lawn and garden choices can benefit the environment and conserve resources. One easy way to reduce your garden’s water needs is to check your watering schedule and make sure that you are watering before 5 a.m. instead of during the day when most of the moisture will evaporate. Choosing drought-tolerant or native plants for your garden can also reduce water needs. If you hire yard maintenance professionals, consider asking if they have been trained as Santa Clara Valley Green Gardeners. This program trains gardeners to use resources wisely, conserve water, protect the soil, reduce waste and improve the health and appearance of landscapes. For more tips and a list of trained Green Gardeners, visit the Watershed Watch website at mywatershedwatch.org.

New BID – Annual Street Resurfacing

The Cit y’s annual street maintenance projects repair and preserve the condition of streets in Los Altos. A new bid was posted this week for qualified contractors to perform dig-out repairs of failed roadway sections and asphalt overlays on various streets throughout the City. Bids will be opened in mid-August and awarded at the August 28 ^th City Council meeting. A second bid will be posted in the upcoming weeks to slurry seal and micro seal additional street segments citywide.

Santa Clara County Green Business Program

The City of Los Altos is host to 18 businesses which have been certified as incorporating green business practices. To be certified, participants must be in compliance with all environmental regulations and meet rigorous program standards for conserving resources, preventing pollution and minimizing waste. Over 600 businesses have been certified countywide and over 2,700 throughout the state. More information on how to certify your business as a green business can be found on the County of Santa Clara website . Additional information can be found on this website to provide information on how your business can apply for rebate programs from Santa Clara Valley Water District and PG&E.

Community Center Open House

The City hosted a well-attended Open House on Tuesday, July 10 to share information about the new Community Center project. The project team, which includes City staff and Noll & Tam Architects and Planners, invited the public to view a 3D model of the new building, materials under consideration for the interior and exterior of the building and a fly-over video of design renderings. Roughly fifty community members attended the open house, providing overwhelmingly positive feedback about the project and building design. The next opportunity for the public to review the project will be at the Planning Commission meeting scheduled for Thursday, August 2, 2018 at 7 p.m. in the Community Meeting Chambers at City Hall (1 N San Antonio Road).

Recreation & Community Services

Downtown Green – Pop-up Camp

Los Altos Recreation & Community Services will be offering a Mini Pop-up Camp on the Downtown Green on Wednesday, August 1st from 6 to 8 p.m. and Wednesday, August 15th from 6 to 8 p.m. This program is for ages 5 – 11, there is a maximum of 15 participants for this activity and the fee is $20.00 per child. (Note: This drop-in program is first-come, first-serve). Drop the kids off for some fun play time while you enjoy a nice summer evening in downtown Los Altos, shopping and dining out. Children’s activities will include group games such as table tennis, crafts, classic family board games and more. The Downtown Green will run July 20 to September 3 on Third Street between State and Main Street. For more information, call (650) 947-2790 or visit losaltosca.gov/downtowngreen.

 

Summer Concerts

Our fifth Summer Concert will be held on Thursday, July 19th from 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. at the Hillview soccer field. Come join us for a wonderful summer night of music provided by Phil ‘n the Blanks. Enjoy rock and roll music that will make you want to get up and dance. To view the full list of summer concerts, visit losaltosca.gov/summerconcerts.

Senior Trip

Join us for a trip to the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art on Thursday, July 26. Participants must arrive at the Hillview Community Center, Senior Program Room 10 by 8:45 a.m. The bus will depart at 9:00 a.m. and return at 3:00 p.m. Cost is $67.00 for members and $72.00 for non-members. Price includes entrance fee, transportation and gratuity. Seats are limited so be sure to make your reservation today by calling 650-947-2797.

For more information about our programs, please visit LosAltosRecreation.org or call 650-947-2790.

Reminders

Los Altos-Los Altos Hills Joint Community Volunteer Service Awards Committee

The Los Altos-Los Altos Hills Joint Community Volunteer Service Awards Committee is recruiting to fill one open seat. This Committee selects community members to be recognized for their volunteer service and organizes a luncheon in their honor each December. This recruitment is for one term expiring in March 2021. Applicants must be residents of the City of Los Altos to be considered for an appointment. The deadline to submit applications is Wednesday, August 15, 2018 and interviews are scheduled for Tuesday, August 28, 2018. Submit applications online or to the City Clerk’s Office at City Hall, located at 1 North San Antonio Road, Los Altos. For more information, call 650-947-2720.

City Council Open Office Hours

Visit Open Office Hours to personally connect with Los Altos City Council members. At each event, one City Council member will be available to the public for a two-hour period to answer questions, receive input and discuss topics of interest to community members. All are welcome.

Open Office Hours

Thursday, July 19, 2018

1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Grant Park Community Center, Room 3

Sunday, August 5, 2018

11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Hillview Community Center, Room 2

Sunday, August 19, 2018

12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Downtown Green

Third Street, Between Main and State Streets (Downtown) 

Los Altos Hills vs. Los Altos Softball Game

Recreation staff from the City of Los Altos and Town of Los Altos Hills have partnered to plan the 1 ^st Annual Los Altos Hills vs. Los Altos Adult Softball Game! We hope you will come cheer on your hometown on Saturday, August 18, 2018 from 1 p.m. – 3 p.m. at Purissima Park, 27400 Purissima Road, Los Altos Hills, CA 94022. Want to join the Team? Contact Sarah at srobustelli@losaltoshills.ca.gov or 650-947-2518 and she will put in you touch with your Team Captain.